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City adopts updated municipal criminal code and traffic ordinance, including hands-free rule in zones
Summary
Hutchinson adopted the 42nd edition of the Uniform Public Offense Code and the 53rd edition of the Standard Traffic Ordinance, adding a class B misdemeanor for unlawful approach of first responders and enforcing a hands-free rule in school and construction zones beginning with warnings through June 30, 2027.
The Hutchinson City Council adopted two housekeeping ordinances to align local municipal code with updated state-model codes.
Cody Smith, the city attorney, explained the city’s adoption of the 42nd edition of the Uniform Public Offense Code (UPOC) and the 53rd edition of the Standard Traffic Ordinance (STO), both prepared by the League of Kansas Municipalities. Smith said the UPOC now includes a statute making it a class B misdemeanor to remain within 25 feet of a law enforcement officer, EMS provider or firefighter after a warning if the person intends to interfere, threaten or harass. "It makes it a class B misdemeanor to remain within 25 feet of a law enforcement officer, EMS provider, or firefighter after a warning with intent to interfere, threaten, or harass," he said.
On the traffic side, Smith said the STO adds a hands-free use restriction: effective July 1, drivers may not use a handheld device in a school zone while a reduced speed limit is in effect or in a construction zone while workers are present and signs are posted; hands-free use remains legal. Staff told council that enforcement of the construction-zone rule depends on whether construction-zone signage is posted; council members discussed whether the city’s current practice of using cones or mobile setups would meet the signage requirement for enforcement.
Council voted to adopt both ordinances. Staff committed to public information outreach regarding the new hands-free provisions.
